When to Replace Saline Breast Implants?

asked 3 years ago by toollady in Navarre, Fl
Latest answer by John P. Di Saia, MD
Question viewed 819 times
Tags: breasts, saline implants

I had breast augmentation done fourteen years ago. Do the Saline Breast Implants get weak or leak after a certain amount of time? Is it unsafe at any time for them to remain?

10 answers to When to Replace Saline Breast Implants?

It will be obvious. Replace only when you need to.

Toollady: One of the advantage of saline filled implants is that it is easy to know when you need to replace them. It is not unsafe for them to remain. Just keep enjoying your results until you notice a distinct decrease in implant size. Usually you will be able to feel the bag itself (the shell of the implant) smaller and folding upon itself, one side or the other. Then contact your plastic surgeon for replacement. If you have another reason for reoperation, such as a breast lift, then... more

Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

When to replace breast implants

Thanks for your question - There's no specific expiration date on implants. On average people who get breast augmentation need an additional procedure every 10-15 years. This is a statistic that is based on all patients requiring additional surgery on the breast who have had breast augmentation. As always when applying statistics to individuals, your number may be different. You may never need an additional procedure. If you're not having problems with the implants just continue to enjoy... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

When saline breast implants leak, they will shrink

Hello, Saline implants do not produce as questionable a situation when they leak as do silicone gel implants. Saline implants generally deflate as they leak and the size difference is noticeable and rapid. Then you replace them. They do not become dangerous in general unless something unusual happens such as infection.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

You're Fine !

Saline implants fail at a rate of about 1% per year so right now you have about a 14% chance that they will fail, good odds for them being intact. If they fail, they will defalte and it is safe! Just relax and wait and see . If they deflate, you will know it and can replace them.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

If it ain't broke...

As long as you are happy with your result, leave them alone. Get regular breast exams, do breast self exams, get mammograms. If you are unhappy with them for whatever reason, or if a deflation occurs, then it is time to see the surgeon. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

No reason to replace implants

There is no reason to replace saline implants unless they are leaking. If they do leak you will know it soon, since the breast gets smaller very rapidly. The implants are filled with IV saline solution which is absorbed by the surrounding tissues and posses no health risk.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

No reason to change unless you are having problems

I agree with the other physicians that if you are not having problems or concerns, there is no real reason to change saline implants at a specific time. We have seen saline implant that are over 20 years old with no problems. One particular patient had over 25 year-old implants and wanted larger ones. They old ones were in perfect shape!

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Replace breast implants only if leaking or have complications

Since you have no problems, it is better to leave them alone. The worst case scenario with an old saline implant is rupture or leak. This will quickly deflate leaving a smaller breast. The managment at this point would be replacement. Good luck!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

If it's not broke, don't fix it

If you are happy with your breasts then there is no pressing need to make any changes. If you would like to make a change in any aspect of you breasts, you may then want to explore youe options. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Leave them alone

I have seen patients with 35 year old saline implants that were perfectly fine. If you are happy with the look and feel of the implants, just leave them alone, there is no need to have any surgery just because time has passed.